Seating System and Assembly

ABSTRACT

This invention relates specifically to a seating system or assembly which utilizes a modularized system of standard sized components. The system reduces manufacturing costs, simplifies storage and shipping and improves assembly efficiencies. The system of modularized components allows flexibility in seating use and design.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/339,216 filed Dec. 19, 2008, which is a division of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/991,847, filed Nov. 18, 2004, now U.S.Pat. No. 7,478,876, issued Jan. 20, 2009, which is a continuation inpart of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/756,743, filed Jan. 13,2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,204,553, issued Apr. 17, 2007. All priorapplications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a seating system or assembly. Thisinvention relates specifically to a seating system or assembly, whichutilizes a modularized system of standardized parts to reduce costs andimprove manufacturing and assembly efficiencies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Complexities involved in providing fixed seating in theaters,auditoriums or places of worship or extended seating in waiting areassuch airports cause costly inefficiencies. Compromises in seating sizeand row length often must be made reducing flexibility in design. Whilecurrent methods of customization for such seating result in reducedseating capacity, increased complication in assembly and installation,reduced flexibility in design, complexities in manufacturing, inventoryand shipping processes, and difficulty in maintenance.

The present invention, by standardizing certain components andmodularizing the assembly improves the inefficiencies inherent incurrent custom seating systems and assemblies. The system can be appliedto all types of seating, whether fixed or not, including seating fortheaters, auditoriums, places of worship, airports, classrooms andwaiting areas, while maintaining all the functionality and aestheticsthat current assemblies offer.

The present invention uses an assembly of beams, which are supportedhorizontally as the building block for the seating assembly. The beamassembly may have multiple beams of standard lengths, which are joinedtogether to achieve the desired length of the seating assembly. Theremaining components of the assembly are also of standardized sizes,including molded seats, individual seat backs and bottoms, any seatconnection mechanisms, any armrests, cupholders or tablet arms, anydecorative pieces, or any other envisioned seating assembly component,each of which may attach to the beam assembly through a modularassembly.

Each beam may have a rectangular cross section while the componentassembly pieces connect with the beam assembly with U-shaped brackets.The U-shaped bracket surrounds the rectangular cross section beamassembly and withstands slippage as the component assembly piecesexperience a torque. It is envisioned that each beam may be triangular,hexagonal, octagonal or other cross sectional shape and the componentassembly pieces may have a correspondingly shaped attachment bracket toresist slippage due to torque. The beam made be steel or aluminum or anyother material having suitable strength. The components can then befixedly secured to the beam assembly. While self tapping screws can beused, preferably a nut and bolt or other fixation means may be employedsuch that the fixation can be accomplished without the need for welds orputting holes in the beam.

By utilizing standardized parts, the manufacturing of the assemblycomponents is made simpler. Thousands of custom sized pieces do not needto be manufactured for each job order. In fact, many pieces of standardsize are not even job specific. This also reduces the complexitiesassociated with storage and inventory of component pieces. Because themajor components are all the same size, similar components can all bestored together, and not separated by size or job order. Likewise, theparts need not be separated and itemized out for shipping to a job site.These benefits manifest themselves in lower costs.

Another place the present seating assembly invention can save costs isin the ease of assembly the system provides. An installer does not haveto search through thousands of components, which must be specificallymarked and designated for an exact location on a seating assembly for anexact location in a large auditorium. Rather, an installer can merelyinstall and assemble the standard size components and modular pieces.Any necessary customization is done on site by the installer with littletrouble.

A further benefit of minimal customization which can be done on site isgreater flexibility in design. The seating assembly dimensions can bechanged, the seating locations within the room can be moved and theseating assembly components can be reused. All this can happen on siteand be done by the installer or even accomplished at a later date.

Furthermore, maintenance is easier and less costly as standardizedcomponents can be easily replaced. The components can simply beunscrewed and removed from the beam, and replacement standardized partsare easily obtained.

The present invention may be applied to various types of seating havingcustomized appearance while still maintaining the benefits of themodular seating system. The specific advantages of applying the seatingsystem and assembly to a pew or bench are described in greater detail ina copending application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide aseating assembly with modularized seating components allowing theseating assembly to be constructed to any desired width withoutrequiring customized construction or components.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a seating assemblywith standardized sized seating components attached to a beam assemblywithout welds.

A further of the present invention is to provide a seating assembly withgreater seating capacity offering lower seating costs and lowerconstruction costs.

Another further object of the present invention is to provide a seatingassembly, which in an up-position provides an increased egress, comparedto a traditional pew or a theater seat allowing for longer rows, feweraisles, and greater overall traffic flow.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a seatingassembly with a design that allows for row lengths to be adjusted by onthe job site by interchanging seat sizes or by adjusting the spacebetween the seats.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a seatingassembly that simplifies inventory and installation.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved byprovision of a row of seating of a predetermined length having a beamassembly with a plurality of beams aligned end to end, at least a firstof the plurality of beams having a first standard length selected from aplurality of predefined standard lengths, and at least a second of theplurality of beams having a second standard length selected from theplurality of predefined standard lengths, where the first standardlength is not the same as the second standard length. A plurality ofsupports support the beam assembly in a substantially horizontalposition and a plurality of seating components are attached to the beamassembly.

It is preferable that the row of seating has a plurality of seatingcomponents comprising a plurality of seat assemblies with an optimalseat width and the first standard length and the second standard lengthcomprise integer multiples of one half of the optimal seat width.Preferably, first standard length and the second standard lengthcomprise odd integer multiples of one half of the optimal seat width.The plurality of beams further have at least one cut beam, and where asum of lengths of the plurality of beams corresponds to thepredetermined length of the row of seating. The cut beam is cut from abeam having a length selected from the plurality of standard lengths.The cut beam having a length which is an integer multiple of one half ofthe optimal seat width and preferably the cut beam length is an oddinteger multiple of one half of the optimal seat width.

A row of seating, where the cut beam is cut from a beam having a lengthselected from the plurality of standard lengths, has a cut beam of acustom length such that the beam assembly reaches the predeterminedlength of the row of seating without requiring customization of all ofthe plurality of beams. The cut beam is cut from a beam having the firststandard length or the second standard length.

In some embodiments, the row of seating may have a third of theplurality of beams with a third standard length selected from theplurality of predefined standard lengths, where the third standardlength is different than the first standard length and the secondstandard length.

It is preferable that the beam assembly is secured to the supports suchthat the beam assembly is positioned between a first and second plateand secured by screws passing outside the beam assembly connecting thefirst and second plates. Preferably, the first plate of each support isan upper plate and the second plate of each support is a lower plate andthe beam assembly is positioned between the upper plate and the lowerplate of each support and screws extend from the upper plate to thelower plate to secure the beam assembly to the supports.

In an embodiment where the beam assembly has a substantially rectangularcross section, the first and second plates of each support may comprisea U-shaped bracket, an opening of the U-shaped bracket corresponding toa thickness of the beam assembly. The beam assembly may be positionedsuch that the U-shaped bracket substantially surrounds the beam assemblyon three sides. At least some of the seat components are connected tothe beam assembly by U-shaped brackets, each U-shaped bracket beingfixedly secured to the beam assembly by screws passing through theU-shaped bracket and beside the beam assembly such that no holes aremade in the beam assembly.

Also, where the beam assembly has a substantially rectangular crosssection and each of the plurality of seating components has asubstantially U-shaped bracket, an opening of the U-shaped bracketcorresponds to a thickness of the beam assembly, and is positioned suchthat the U-shaped bracket substantially surrounds the beam assembly onthree sides.

Preferably, the plurality of seating components have a plurality of seatbacks and a plurality of corresponding seat bottoms and a plurality ofseat connectors connect the plurality of seating components to the beamassembly. Each of the plurality of seat connectors has a substantiallyU-shaped bracket, an opening of the U-shaped bracket corresponding tothe thickness of the beam assembly, and is positioned such that theU-shaped bracket substantially surrounds the beam assembly on threesides. It is preferable that the plurality of seating componentscomprise a plurality of separate seat bottoms and seat backs and wherethe plurality of seat bottoms are attached to the beam assembly throughthe plurality of seat connectors.

Left and right seat connectors are preferably connected to the said beamassembly and positioned such that a left seat connector attaches to theleft side of a seat bottom and a right seat connector attaches to aright side of a seat bottom, defining a space between adjacent seatbottoms. The space between adjacent seat bottoms can be adjustedshifting at least one of the left or right seat connectors along saidbeam assembly so that the row of seating reaches a predetermined lengthwithout requiring customization of the plurality of seating components.

It is also preferable that the plurality of seat connectors extendforward in a substantially horizontal position and a plurality of seatbottoms are pivotably attached to the plurality of seat connectors, eachof the plurality of seat bottoms being separately pivotable about anaxis through the plurality of seat connectors. The plurality of seatconnectors is configured such that the plurality of seat bottoms aregravity lifted. Preferably, each of the plurality of seat connectors hasa saddle bracket portion having an inner pivot channel, a pin portionhaving a pin protruding therefrom, and where, when the pin portion isangled with respect to the saddle bracket portion at an insertion angle,the pin is insertable into and removable from the inner pivot channel,and such that when the pin portion is angled with respect to the saddlebracket portion at an angle other than the insertion angle, the pin isretained in the inner pivot channel.

It is most preferable that the plurality of seating components has aplurality of seat bottoms, and where the plurality of seat bottomsoutnumber the plurality of supports and that the plurality of supportsis positioned substantially beneath at least one of the plurality ofseat bottoms. At least some of the plurality of seat components areconnected to the beam assembly by way of U-shaped brackets, eachU-shaped bracket being fixedly secured to the beam assembly by a platefastened to the U-shaped bracket such that the beam assembly issurrounded by the U-shaped bracket and the plate is fastened to theU-shaped bracket with screws, such that no holes are made in the beamassembly. Also, at least some of the plurality of supports are connectedto the beam assembly by way of U-shaped brackets, each U-shaped bracketbeing fixedly secured to the beam assembly by a plate fastened to theU-shaped bracket such that the beam assembly is surrounded by theU-shaped bracket and the plate is fastened to the U-shaped bracket withscrews, such that no holes are made in the beam assembly.

In certain embodiments, the seating components comprise a plurality ofarm rests and at least some of the plurality of arm rests comprises endmembers attached to ends of the beam assembly to define thepredetermined length of the row of seating. Also, at least some of theplurality of arm rests are connected to the beam assembly by seatingconnectors, where each of the seating connectors has a substantiallyU-shaped bracket, an opening of the U-shaped bracket corresponding to athickness of the beam assembly, and positioned such that the U-shapedbracket substantially surrounds the beam assembly on three sides. Someof the plurality of arm rests are integral with the seating connectors.

The objects of the present invention are further achieved by provisionof a seating arrangement having at least a first row of seating and asecond row of seating, the first row of seating having a differentlength than the second row of seating. The first row of seating has afirst plurality of beams aligned end to end and supported in asubstantially horizontal position. At least one of the first pluralityof beams having a first length and at least another of the firstplurality of beams having a second length different than the firstlength such that a combined length of the first plurality of beamsdefines a length of the first row of seating. The second row of seatinghas a second plurality of beams aligned end to end and supported in asubstantially horizontal position, at least one of the second pluralityof beams having a third length and at least another of the secondplurality of beams having a fourth length different than the thirdlength, such that a combined length of the second plurality of beamsdefines a length of the second row of seating. A first plurality ofseats connects to the first plurality of beams, at least some of thefirst plurality of seats having a first standard width, a combined widthof the first plurality of seats being generally equal to the length ofthe first row of seating. A second plurality of seats connects to thesecond plurality of beams, at least some of the second plurality ofseats having a first standard width, a combined width of the secondplurality of seats being generally equal to the length of the second rowof seating.

In some embodiments, the first length is the same as the third lengthand the second length is the same as the fourth length. The firstlength, the second length, the third length and the fourth lengthcomprise integer multiples of one half of the first standard width ofthe first plurality of seats and the second plurality of seats.Preferably, the first length, the second length, the third length andthe fourth length comprise odd integer multiples of one half of thefirst standard width of the first plurality of seats and the secondplurality of seats.

It is preferable that at least some of the first plurality of seats andthe second plurality of seats comprise a seat having a second standardwidth, selected from a group standard widths, such that the combinedwidth of the first plurality of seats is generally equal to the lengthof the first row of seating and the combined width of the secondplurality of seats is generally equal to the length of the second row ofseating without requiring custom width seats. Preferably, the firstplurality of beams and the second plurality of beams have asubstantially rectangular cross section and each of the first pluralityof seats and the second plurality of seats have a substantially U-shapedbracket, an opening of the U-shaped bracket corresponding to a thicknessof the first plurality of beams and the second plurality of beams,positioned such that the U-shaped bracket substantially surrounds thefirst plurality of beams or the second plurality of beams on threesides.

It is preferable that a plurality of seat connectors connect the firstplurality of seats and the second plurality of seats to the firstplurality of beams or the second plurality of beams, each of theplurality of seat connectors having a substantially U-shaped bracket, anopening of the U-shaped bracket corresponding to a thickness of thefirst plurality of beams and the second plurality of beams, positionedsuch that the U-shaped bracket substantially surrounds the firstplurality of beams or the second plurality of beams on three sides.Preferably, the first plurality of seats and the second plurality ofseats comprise a plurality of seat bottoms and a corresponding pluralityof seat backs, and the plurality of seat connectors connect theplurality of seat bottoms to the first plurality of beams and the secondplurality of beams.

It is most preferable that the plurality of seat connectors extendforward in a substantially horizontal position and the plurality of seatbottoms are pivotably attached to the plurality of seat connectors, eachof the plurality of seat bottoms being separately pivotable about anaxis through the plurality of seat connectors. The plurality of seatconnectors are configured such that the plurality of seat bottoms aregravity lifted where each of the plurality of seat connectors has asaddle bracket portion having an inner pivot channel, a pin portionhaving a pin protruding therefrom, and where, when the pin portion isangled with respect to the saddle bracket portion at an insertion angle,the pin is insertable into and removable from the inner pivot channel,and such that when the pin portion is angled with respect to the saddlebracket portion at an angle other than the insertion angle, the pin isretained in the inner pivot channel.

At least some of the first plurality of seats and the second pluralityof seats are connected to the first beams or the second beams byU-shaped brackets. Each U-shaped bracket may be fixedly secured to thefirst or second beams where the first or second beams are substantiallysurrounded on three sides by the U-shaped bracket. At least one screwwhich passes through the U-shaped bracket and beside the first or secondbeam to secure the beam within the U-shaped bracket, such that no holesare made in the beams

Preferably, the first length, the second length, the third length andthe fourth length are selected from a plurality of predefined standardlengths. The first plurality of beams further has a first cut beam andwhere the second plurality of beams further has a second cut beam. Thefirst cut beam and the second cut beam are cut from beams having lengthsselected from the plurality of predefined standard lengths.

The objects of the present invention are further achieved by provisionof a method of assembling a row of seating having a predetermined rowlength, having the steps of selecting a first beam with a first standardlength from a plurality of beams having a plurality of predefinedstandard lengths, and selecting a second beam with a second standardlength from the plurality of beams having the plurality of predefinedstandard lengths, the first standard length being different than thesecond standard length. Next, aligning end to end the first beam and thesecond beam to form a beam assembly, and supporting the beam assembly ina substantially horizontal position with a plurality of supports, andthen attaching a plurality of seating components to the beam assembly.Also, a plurality of seat assemblies having an optimal seat width isselected.

It is preferable that that the step of selecting a first beam includesthe step of selecting a first beam with a first standard length which isan integer multiple of one half of the optimal seat width, and where theselecting a second beam step includes the step of selecting a secondbeam with a second standard length which is an integer multiple of onehalf of the optimal seat width. Preferably the selecting a first beamstep includes the step of selecting a first beam with a first standardlength which is an odd integer multiple of one half of the optimal seatwidth, and the selecting a second beam step includes the step ofselecting a second beam with a second standard length which is an oddinteger multiple of one half of the optimal seat width.

The method further provides the steps of cutting at least one cut beamhaving a cut beam length, and the aligning step includes the step ofaligning end to end the first beam, the second beam and the cut beam toform a beam assembly having a beam assembly length corresponding to asum of the first standard length, the second standard length and the cutbeam length, where the beam assembly length corresponds to thepredetermined row length.

It is also preferable that that the step of cutting at least one cutbeam includes the step of cutting at least one cut beam with a cut beamlength from a beam having a length selected from the plurality ofstandard lengths, the cut beam length being an integer multiple of onehalf of the optimal seat width. Preferably, the cut beam length is anodd integer multiple of one half of the optimal seat width. The step ofcutting at least one cut beam includes the step of cutting at least onecut beam with a cut beam length from a beam having a length selectedfrom the plurality of standard lengths. The cut beam length having acustom length such the beam assembly reaches the predetermined rowlength without requiring customization of all beams forming the beamassembly and where the cut beam is cut from a beam having the firststandard length or the second standard length. The method furtherprovides the step of selecting a third beam with a third standard lengthfrom the plurality of beams from the plurality of predefined standardlengths, the third standard length being different than the firststandard length and the second standard length. The aligning stepincludes the step of aligning end to end the first beam, the second beamand the third beam to form a beam assembly.

The objects of the present invention are further achieved by provisionof a method of providing a seating arrangement having the steps ofspecifying a desired first row length of a first row of seating,specifying a desired second row length of a second row of seating, thefirst length being different than the second length. The first row ofseating is formed with a first plurality of beams aligned end to end andsupported in a substantially horizontal position, at least one of thefirst plurality of beams having a first length and at least another ofthe first plurality of beams having a second length different than thefirst length. The first length and the second length are selected suchthat a combined length of the first plurality of beams is generallyequal to the desired first row length. The method further provides forforming the second row of seating with a second plurality of beamsaligned end to end and supported in a substantially horizontal position,at least one of the second plurality of beams having a third length andat least another of the second plurality of beams having a fourth lengthdifferent than the third length. The third length and the fourth lengthare selected such that a combined length of the second plurality ofbeams is generally equal to the desired second row length. A firstplurality of seats are connected to the first plurality of beams, and atleast some of the first plurality of seats have a first standard width,and a combined width of the first plurality of seats being generallyequal to the desired first row length. Also, a second plurality of seatsare connected to the second plurality of beams, and at least some of thesecond plurality of seats have a first standard width, a combined widthof the second plurality of seats being generally equal to the desiredsecond row length.

It is preferable that the first length is the same as the third lengthand the second length is the same as the fourth length. Also, the firstlength, the second length, the third length and the fourth lengthcomprise integer multiples of one half of the first standard width ofthe first plurality of seats and the second plurality of seats.Preferably, the first length, the second length, the third length andthe fourth length comprise odd integer multiples of one half of thefirst standard width of the first plurality of seats and the secondplurality of seats.

At least some of the first plurality of seats and the second pluralityof seats comprise a seat having a second standard width, selected from agroup standard widths, such that the combined width of the firstplurality of seats is generally equal to the desired first row lengthand the combined width of the second plurality of seats is generallyequal to the desired second row length without requiring custom widthseats, where the first length, the second length, the third length andthe fourth length are selected from a plurality of predefined standardlengths.

It is also preferable that that the step of forming the first row ofseating includes the step of cutting a first cut beam and where thefirst plurality of beams further includes the first cut beam, and theforming the second row of seating includes the step of cutting a secondcut beam and where the second plurality of beams further includes thesecond cut beam. It is further preferable that that the step of cuttinga first cut beam includes the step of cutting a first cut beam from abeam with a length selected from the plurality of predefined standardlengths, and where the cutting a second cut beam includes the step ofcutting a second cut beam from a beam with a length selected from theplurality of predefined standard lengths.

Preferably, the step of specifying a desired first row length includesthe step of receiving a specification of a desired first row length froma customer, and where the step of specifying a desired second row lengthincludes the step of receiving a specification of a desired second rowlength from the customer. An automated basis for receiving thespecification of a desired first row length from a customer and thespecification of a desired second row length from the customer isprovided. Preferably, the step of providing an automated basis includesthe step of providing a network connection for receiving thespecification of a desired first row length from a customer and thespecification of a desired second row length from the customer.

The objects of the present invention are further achieved by provisionof a method of assembling a row of seating having a predetermined rowlength, aligning at least two beams from a plurality of beams having atleast two predefined standard lengths end to end to form a beam assemblysuch that the predetermined row length is reached and supporting thebeam assembly in a substantially horizontal position with a plurality ofsupports. Seating components of a standard size comprising a pluralityof seat bottoms are selected and a number of left seat connectors equalto the number of selected seat bottoms and a number of right seatconnectors equal to the number of selected seat bottoms are attached tothe beam assembly such that a left seat connector is positioned toattach to a left side of a seat bottom and a right seat connector ispositioned to attach to a right side of a seat bottom. The methodprovided for defining a space between adjacent seat bottoms andadjusting the space between adjacent seat bottoms by shifting at leastone of the left and right seat connectors along said beam assembly sothat the row of seating reaches the predetermined length withoutrequiring customization of the plurality of seating components.

The method further provided for extending the left and right seatconnectors forward in a substantially horizontal position and pivotablyattaching the plurality of seat bottoms to the left and right of seatconnectors, each of the plurality of seat bottoms being separatelypivotable about an axis through the seat connectors.

The left and right seat connectors are preferably configured so that theseat bottoms are gravity lifted by provision of a saddle bracket portioncomprising an inner pivot channel, a pin portion comprising a pinprotruding therefrom so that when the pin portion is angled with respectto the saddle bracket portion at an insertion angle, the pin isinsertable into and removable from the inner pivot channel, and suchthat when the pin portion is angled with respect to the saddle bracketportion at an angle other than the insertion angle, the pin is retainedin the inner pivot channel.

The objects of the present invention are further achieved by provisionof a method for facilitating the assembly of seating arrangements, themethod having the steps of receiving an indication of a desired rowconfiguration for at least one seating row, inputting the desired rowconfiguration into a computer executable algorithm, and determining,with the computer executable algorithm, a number of beams andcorresponding beam sizes which correspond to the desired rowconfiguration. The method further provided for determining with thecomputer executable algorithm the number of seating components andcorresponding seating component sizes which correspond to the desiredrow configuration. The number of beams and corresponding beam sizes,which correspond to the desired row configuration and the number ofseating components and corresponding seating component sizes, whichcorrespond to the desired row configuration, are shipped to a site forassembly.

It is preferable that the step of receiving an indication of a desiredrow configuration for at least one seating row includes the step ofreceiving, via a networked communications link, an indication of adesired row configuration for at least one seating row. Preferably, thenetworked communications link comprises the Internet. Further, aplurality of beams having a plurality of predefined standard lengths areinventoried.

It is also preferable that that the step of determining with thecomputer executable algorithm the number of beams and corresponding beamsizes which correspond to the desired row configuration includes thestep of selecting a first beam with a first standard length from theplurality of beams comprising the plurality of predefined standardlengths, and selecting a second beam with a second standard length fromthe plurality of beams comprising the plurality of predefined standardlengths, where the first standard length being different than the secondstandard length. Preferably, the step of determining with the computerexecutable algorithm the number of seating components and correspondingseating component sizes which correspond to the desired rowconfiguration includes the step of selecting a plurality of seatassemblies having an optimal seat width.

It is further preferable that that the step of selecting a first beamincludes the step of selecting a first beam with a first standard lengthwhich is an integer multiple of one half of the optimal seat width, andwhere the selecting a second beam step includes the step of selecting asecond beam with a second standard length which is an integer multipleof one half of the optimal seat width. Preferably, the selecting a firstbeam step includes the step of selecting a first beam with a firststandard length which is an odd integer multiple of one half of theoptimal seat width, and where the selecting a second beam step includesthe step of selecting a second beam with a second standard length whichis an odd integer multiple of one half of the optimal seat width.

It is also preferable that that the step of determining with thecomputer executable algorithm the number of beams and corresponding beamsizes which correspond to the desired row configuration further includesthe step of selecting a third beam with a third standard length from theplurality of beams comprising the plurality of predefined standardlengths. The third standard length is different than the first standardlength and the second standard length.

It is further preferable that that the step of determining with thecomputer executable algorithm the number of beams and corresponding beamsizes which correspond to the desired row configuration includes thestep of selecting a first beam with a first standard length from theplurality of beams comprising the plurality of predefined standardlengths, selecting a second beam with a second standard length from theplurality of beams comprising the plurality of predefined standardlengths, where the first standard length is different than the secondstandard length. The method further provides determining a target cutbeam length, and selecting a beam to be cut to the target cut beamlength from the plurality of beams having the plurality of predefinedstandard lengths. It is preferable that that the beam to be cut to thetarget cut beam length is chosen from the first standard length or thesecond standard length.

It is also preferable that the step of receiving an indication of adesired row configuration for at least one seating row includes the stepof receiving an indication of a desired row configuration for aplurality of seating rows. Further the number of beams and correspondingbeam sizes which correspond to the desired row configuration and thenumber of seating components and corresponding seating component sizeswhich correspond to the desired row configuration are bundled togetherseparately for each of the plurality of seating rows.

The objects of the present invention are further achieved by provisionof a method for facilitating assembly a row of seating, comprising thesteps of inventorying a plurality of first beams with a first beamlength and inventorying a plurality of second beams with a second beamlength, where the second beam length is different than the first beamlength. The method further provides receiving an indication of a targetrow length and determining a number of the plurality of first beams anddetermining a number of the plurality of second beams based upon thetarget row length. Then the determined number of the plurality of firstbeams and the determined number of the plurality of second beams areremoved from inventory and shipped to a site for assembly.

The invention and its particular features and advantages will becomemore apparent from the following detailed description considered withreference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seating assembly in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention showing seats in both the uprightand occupied positions having modularized seat back assemblies.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the seating assembly of FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is a plan side view of the seating assembly of FIG. 1 showing tworows of seating assemblies.

FIG. 4 is a plan front view of the seating assembly of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b are enlarged perspective views of beam assemblies usedin the seating assembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the seating assembly illustrated in FIG.1 showing only one base member and the end members extending to thefloor serving as a support for the seating assembly.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a seating assembly illustrated in FIG. 1showing seats in both the upright and occupied positions having acontinuous seat back member.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the seating assembly of FIG.7.

FIGS. 9 a and 9 b are perspective views of connector support saddlebrackets in the open and closed positions, which may be utilized in theseat connection mechanism of the seating assembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 10-17 illustrate a method of assembling the seat assembly of FIG.1.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a beam assembly used in the illustratedin FIG. 1.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of an section of a beam assemblyused in the seating assembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a seat used in theseating assembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a seat used in theseating assembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a seat used in theseating assembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 23-24 illustrate arm rests and tablet arms used in the seatingassembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 25 a-b are schematics of combinations of beams used in the seatingassembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 26 a-c are schematics of combinations of beams used in the seatingassembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 27 a-b are schematics of combinations of beams used in the seatingassembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 28 is a screen shot of an automated system for ordering the seatingassembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the seatingassembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the seatingassembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the seating assemblyillustrated in FIG. 1 illustrating a conduit for wiring and cabling.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The seating assembly of the present invention is referred to generallyas 10. Referring to FIGS. 1-5, a beam 12 is supported in a substantiallyhorizontal position by at least one base member 11. Preferably, the beamis supported by base members situated at intervals along the beam 12.The bases may be secured to the floor or to the riser in a step or maybe free standing. The beam 12 preferably has a rectangular cross sectionof a known thickness T as illustrated in FIG. 5. Each seating assemblymakes up a row of seats for a theater, auditorium, stadium, place ofworship or classroom. Each row of seating has a predetermined length andbeam assemblies are formed from aligning end to end a plurality of beamsto reach that predetermined length. The base members support the beamassembly, but also withstand the forces and resultant torque from theweight of the seat users. These are forces are increased when more thanone seat occupant stands or sits simultaneously.

A base member may have a lower pedestal 30 and an upper section whichmay hold the beam. The upper section may be a U-shaped bracket 29 asdescribed below with the connection of other seating components to thebeam assembly of the seating assembly. The opening of the U-shapedbracket 29 may be slightly wider than the thickness of the beam so thatthe beam may rest within the bracket. The base member 11 may be designedso that the U-shaped bracket 29 is positioned so that the lower portionof the bracket is below the top of the pedestal 30 to give the bracketgreater support. The interaction of the bracket with the rectangularcross sectioned beam prevents the beam from slipping out of position ifit is subjected to a torque. The beam 12 may be secured within theU-shaped brackets 29 with self bolts or screws. As shown in FIG. 5 b, anupper plate 40 may be positioned over the beam 12 above the bracket 29secured to the bracket by screws or bolts 41 to secure the beam in thebracket. This way, an installer avoids putting holes in the beam.

An another embodiment of a base member 11, as illustrated in FIG. 5 a,the pedestal 30 of the base with include a plate 38 which is positionedon the pedestal 30 which the beam 12 will rest on. The pedestal 30 maybe a steel pipe or other material or structure. The pedestal should beof appropriate dimension and strength to support the beam assembly andseat occupants. The plate 38 may be integral with the pedestal 30 andmay be welded in position. Where the pedestal is a hollow pipe, theplate should be a thickness and be of a material of sufficient strengthto withstand the forces and torque applied during use of the seatingassembly. The plate 30 may have a width greater than the thickness ofthe beam to allow space on the plate for a means of holding the beamsand securing it to the base member.

In a preferred embodiment of a base, after the beam is placed on theplate 38 of the pedestal 30, an upper plate 40 may be placed over thebeam 12 and above the pedestal plate 38. Bolts or screws 41 may passthrough holes in the upper plate 40, passed the front and the back ofthe beam 12, into threaded holes in the pedestal plate 38, securing thebeam assembly to the base 11.

The base members 11 can be positioned under the seats, rather thanplaced between the seats, as done in the prior art. Supporting the beamunder the seats increases placement tolerances to two or three inches asopposed to the prior art tolerances of fractions of an inch when placedbetween the seats. This feature is further useful in allowingflexibility in case of minor changes in desired seat widths or benchlengths. The use of the plate and screw designs described above ratherthan welds allows for easy repositioning of base members in the case ofa design change.

At least one seat back assembly can be fixedly secured to the beam 12.The seat back assembly 13 may be secured by a U-shaped bracket 14. FIGS.1-4 illustrate a seating assembly using a plurality of seat backassemblies 13. Extending substantially upwardly from the U-shapedbracket 14 is a seat back assembly support 34. In addition to theU-shaped bracket, which fixes and interacts with the beam, each seatback assembly may include a back support 15 and a back pad 16. The backpad 16 may be removable. The removable back pad provides a simple meansof customization. Further, replacing a back pad is a cost effectivemaintenance means.

The opening of the U-shaped bracket 14 is slightly wider than thethickness of the beam 12. In this case, the U-shaped bracket 14 ispositioned upside down, and slid over the beam, surrounding the beam onthree sides so that the seat back assembly is fixedly secured to thebeam. Further, the interaction of the bracket with the rectangular crosssectioned beam ensures that the seat back assembly will not slip out ofposition if it is subjected to a torque. Screws may be used to securethe bracket to the beam or the plate and bolt design may be employed. Ina preferred embodiment, the U-shaped bracket 14 will extend past thebeam so that a bolt or screw could pass through both sides of thebracket to secure the bracket to the beam without putting hole in thebeam.

In addition, each back support 15 of the seat back assemblies may have agroove 33 along each edge that is adjacent to another seat backassembly. Back connector inserts 17 may be slid into these grooves 33between the back supports 15 for aesthetic reasons, to define seatingareas, and for support of the seat back assemblies. Also, a top member18 may be fitted across the entire width of the seat back assemblies 13for aesthetic reasons or to align the plurality of seat back assemblies13 depending on the type of seating. These top members may also be ofstandardized length.

Seat connection mechanisms 19 are also fixed to the beam 12. Each seatconnection mechanism includes a connector support 24 which extendsforward in a substantially horizontal position and includes a connectorsupport 24 on one end and a U-shaped seat connection mechanism bracket32 on the other. Here also, the opening of the U-shaped bracket 32 maybe slightly wider than the thickness of the beam 12. As with the seatback bracket 14, the seat connection mechanism bracket 32 is positionedupside down, and slid over the beam, surrounding the beam on threesides. The interaction of the bracket with the rectangular crosssectioned beam ensures that the seat back assembly will not slip out ofposition if it is subjected to a torque. Screws may be used to securethe bracket 32 to the beam 12 or the plate and bolt design may beemployed. In a preferred embodiment, the U-shaped bracket 32 will extendpast the beam so that a bolt or screw could pass through both sides ofthe bracket to secure the bracket to the beam without putting hole inthe beam.

The seat connection mechanisms are used to connect the seat bottomassemblies 20 to the beam. The seat connection mechanisms 19 can bemoved along the beam 12 to accommodate seat bottom assemblies 20 havingdifferent widths. The seat connector mechanisms may be a hinge ofvarying design, such as a piano hinge, pivot hinge, moving pivot hinge,or any hinge type known in the art. The seat connector mechanism mayalso not provide a pivot means, and simply support a stationary seatbottom (FIG. 20) or seat bottom and back combination (FIG. 21). Theconnector support 24 include a spring loaded, hinged, or any othermechanism of varying design known in the art to accommodate a liftingseat. A single seat connection mechanism 19 may be configured to connectto two seat bottom assemblies. In the alternative, separate left 19 aand right 19 b seat connection mechanism may be used each havingseparate left 24 a and right 24 b connector supports allowing the spacebetween the seats to be adjusted. The benefits of using separate left 19a and right 19 b seat connection mechanisms is illustrated in FIGS.29-30 and described in more detail below.

In another embodiment, separate left 24 a and right 24 b connectorsupports may be attached to a single seat connection mechanism 19. Thistype of seat connection mechanism provides a predetermined space betweenseats. This space may be made used, for example for access to electricalor data ports.

Each seat bottom assembly may include a seat support 21 and seat cover22. The seat cover 22 may be removable for customization purposes aswell as for ease in maintenance. The seat connector mechanisms 19 may beconfigured so that each seat bottom assembly 20 can be separatelypivotable.

The seat bottom assemblies 20 are pivotably secured to the beam 12 bythe connector supports 24 of the seat connection mechanisms 19. Eachseat bottom assemblies may be separately pivotable about an axis A(FIGS. 5 a and b) going through the connector supports 24 of the of seatconnection mechanisms. By placing the axis of rotation A of the seatbottom assemblies forward of the beam 12, more space is provided for theseat bottom assembly to lift to a vertical unoccupied position,providing additional egress space. A spring load mechanism may be usedto provide a more compact seating assembly.

Preferably, the seat connector mechanism 19 extends forwardsubstantially horizontally and allows the seat bottom assembly 20 topivot in a counter balanced gravity lifted manner. This may beaccomplished by using a connector support 24 in the form of a saddlebracket secured to the beam 12 that has an inner pivot channel 25 and aseat bottom assembly 20 with a pin portion 23 protruding from the seatsupport 21 to interact with the inner pivot channel 25. FIG. 9illustrates the saddle bracket of this type of seat connectionmechanism.

The interacting occurs such that the pin 23 protruding from the seatbottom assembly is angled with respect to the connector support saddlebracket 24 at a specific insertion angle such that the pin 23 isinsertable into and removable from the inner pivot channel 25, and suchthat when the pin is angled with respect to said saddle bracket portionat any other angle than the insertion angle, the pin is retained in theinner pivot channel, and thus the seat bottom is pivotably secured tothe beam 12. Such a seat connector mechanism is described in more detailin U.S. Pat. No. 6,698,834, the entirety of which is incorporated byreference herein.

End members 27 may be attached at the ends of the beam to define thewidth of the seating assembly. The end members may be merely aestheticin nature or may be weight bearing to help support the seating assembly.

The seating assembly may also have armrests. (FIGS. 23 a, 23 b and 24).The armrests 51 may comprise end members attached to ends of the beamassembly to define the predetermined length of the row of seating. Also,the armrests may be connected to the beam assembly by seatingconnectors, where each of the seating connectors has a substantiallyU-shaped bracket, an opening of the U-shaped bracket corresponding to athickness of the beam assembly, and positioned such that the U-shapedbracket substantially surrounds the beam assembly on three sides. TheU-shaped brackets may be secured to the beams in any manner describedabove. The armrests may also be integral with the seating connectors.The armrests may also be in the shape and form of tablet arms 53 for usein classroom auditoriums.

The beam 12 may be balanced on a single base member 11. In such anembodiment, the end members can extend to the floor to help support thebeam as illustrated in FIG. 6. For wider seating assemblies, additionalintermediate base members may also be employed to support the beam.However, the number of base members and supporting end members is lessthan the number of seat bottom assemblies in the seat assembly.

Another embodiment, which includes a single seat back assembly, isillustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. A single seat back assembly may be acontinuous seat back member where the back support 15 and a back pad 16are each continuous members. This gives the seating assembly theappearance of a traditional bench (FIG. 22) or pew (FIG. 7). In thisembodiment, a number of the seat assembly supports 34 risingsubstantially upwardly from the U-shaped bracket 14 can support thesingle continuous back member.

The process of assembling and installing the seating assembly is not ascostly or labor intensive as assembling and installing prior art seatingassemblies and allows great flexibility in seating assembly length andseating capacity. The use of the beam as the center structure of theassembly allows for a modularization of component assemblies eliminatingthe need for custom seating assemblies while allowing for any desiredlength of seating row.

The process of assembly begins with first determining a desired length Lof the seating assembly 10. A beam 12 may be a first standard length L₁,or a second standard length L₂. The beams may be connected end to endwith a force fit joint piece 37 to achieve greater desired lengths L forthe seating assembly. However, the beams preferably meet and are held atthe base member 11, thereby not requiring a joint piece as illustratedin FIG. 18.

Once a minimum number a seat width is exceeded, a combination ofconnected beams of first or second standard lengths can result in a beamassembly of any desired length L, when the beam assembly also includescut extension beam pieces of length L_(e). A beam extension shouldpreferably have a smaller length L_(e) than either length L₁ or L₂ formost efficient use of beams. FIG. 2 shows a beam of a first standardlength joined with a beam extension so that the beam assembly reachesthe desired length L. FIG. 10 shows a beam of the second standard lengthconnected as part of a beam assembly.

The cut beam may be cut from a beam having a length selected from aplurality of standard lengths such as beams having the first standardlength or the second standard length so that only standard sized beamsneed to be provided. A cut beam L_(e) may be cut to any custom lengthsuch the beam assembly reaches the predetermined length of the row ofseating without requiring customization of all of the plurality of beamswhile beam waste is decreased.

However, preferably, the standard beam lengths and the beam extensionlengths may be chosen based on an optimal seat width in order todecrease beam waste as well as reach any desired assembly length. Theadvantages provided by using an optimal seat width to calculate thestandard beam lengths is described below. In an embodiment where thestandard beams lengths are based on an optimal seat width, again atleast one of the beams has a standard length L₁ and a second beam has astandard length L₂ and each beam used for a beam assembly is selectedfrom a group of beams of predefined standard lengths where the firststandard length is different than a second standard length. Each of thepredefined standard lengths is an integer multiple of one half of theoptimal seat width.

For instance, if the optimal seat width is chosen to be 20″, a standardlength of a beam may be an integer multiple length of 10″, resulting ina standard length of perhaps 30″, 40″, 50″ or 60″, etc. Note that a beamlength of 30″, 50″ or 70″, etc., are odd integer multiples of one halfof the optimal seat width of 20″.

Where a beams assembly includes at least one cut beam of length L_(e),so that the sum of lengths of the beams reaches the predetermined lengthof the row of seating, and the cut beam is cut from the beams ofpredefined standard lengths based on an optimal seat width, the cutlength L_(e) may also be an integer multiple of one half of the optimalseat width. Preferably, the combination of standard length beams and cutlength beams will include an even number of beam lengths which are oddinteger multiples of one half of the optimal seat width. This insuresthat the each joint between the beams falls under a seat so that it maybe supported by a base member.

The beam assembly can also have a third beam of a standard length L₃.Length L₃ is also selected from a group of beams of predefined standardlengths and is different than the first standard length and the secondstandard length.

More than one cut beam L_(e) may be used, where each cut piece is cutfrom standard length beams selected from an optimal seat width. Bychoosing beams of standard lengths selected to be integer multiples ofone half of the optimal seat width allows for flexibility in reachingpredetermined seating lengths without substantial beam waste. Beams of afirst and second standard length, selected based on an optimal seatwidth having lengths of integer multiples of one half of the optimalseat width may provide cut lengths in which both the cut pieces willboth be integer multiples of one half of the optimal seat width.Further, the cut lengths from beams of standard length selected based onan optimal seat width having lengths of integer multiples of one half ofthe optimal seat width may provide at least one cut piece which is anodd integer multiples of one half of the optimal seat width. A beamassembly having two beams lengths that are an odd integer multiple of anoptimal seat width will ensure that the beam connection points will fallbeneath the seats. Further, an even number greater than zero of beamlengths having an odd integer multiple of an optimal seat width willalso ensure that the beam connection points will fall beneath the seats.

For example, based on an average seat width of 21″, a seating assemblyrows any length may be reached with an inventory of beams of 115.5″(L₁), 168″ (L₂) and 189″ (L₃) with virtually no beam waste. Where astandard length beam is cut to a length which is an integer multiple ofone half of 21″, each piece can be reused to reach desired lengths. Thisallows for reduced inventory and supply of beams, while offering theflexibility of having many standard sizes available. The standard beamscan be precut before installation based on a requested design,eliminating the need to inventory unnecessary lengths. And the standardlengths provide cut lengths such that beam waste is eliminated.

The inventoried beam lengths of 115.5″ (L₁), 168″ (L₂) and 189″ (L₃) areeach integer multiples of one half of the optimal seat width of 21″. Thestandard length beams of 115.5″ (L₁) are 5.5 seats of 21 inches longs.The 168″ beams (L₂), are 8 seat widths long while the 189″ beams (L₃)are 9 seat widths long. More specifically, the 115.5″ inch beam is anodd integer multiple of one half of the optimal seat width of 21″.Having at least two beams that are an odd integer multiple of one halfof the optimal seat width in a beam assembly is crucial in providingthat the beam joints occur under a seat so that the joint can besupported by a base member.

FIG. 25 a illustrates a beam assembly that may be used for a desiredseating row of 20 seats with an average seat width of 21″. The totallength of the row is 420″. Two beams of 115.5″ (L₁), and one beam of189″ (L₃), will accommodate this total length and also provide two beamswhich are an odd integer multiple of one half of the optimal seat width.The first beam is 5.5 seats long and ends under the sixth seat of therow. Beneath the sixth seat, a base member may be placed, and the secondbeam may abut the first beam end to end and the resultant joint will besupported by the base member. The second beam is nine seats long andwill end under the fifteenth seat where again a base member will beposition to support the joint with the abutting third beam. The thirdbeam, again 5.5 seats long, will reach the remaining length of the row.

A single beam, custom supplied to span the entire 420″ would bedisadvantageous to use as the cost of inventorying, shipping andhandling such a beam would be prohibitive. Also, using two beams of 10seat widths length would not provide all the benefits of the presentinventions system. Because a beam assembly of two beams of 10 seats doesnot incorporate two beams which are an odd integer multiple of one halfof the optimal seat width, the beams in the beam assembly must abutbetween the seats and not beneath the seat. This drastically reduces thetolerances available and the flexibility in use of seating components,as discussed above.

Of course, it will be common that an average seat width different than21″ is requested. Such an example is illustrated in FIG. 25 b. Takingthe same 20 seat row, but in this case, only half the seats are orderedto be 21 inches wide while the other half are ordered to be 20 incheswide. In order to accommodate this difference from the optimal seatwidth, the same combination of beam lengths may be used; however, eachbeam must be trimmed slightly. Here the total length is 410″ rather thanthe 420″ inches in FIG. 25 a. If the first and third beams are trimmedby 3 inches (L₁−3″), and the middle beam is trimmed by 4 inches (L₃−4″),the discrepancy from the optimal average seat width is accommodated withminimal resultant beam waste. If custom length beams were to be used,the beam waste in order to accommodate changes in seating width would bemuch greater.

Also, deviations from the selected optimal seating width can beaccommodated by use of separate left and right seat connector mechanisms19 a, 19 b allowing the space between the seats to be adjustedaccordingly.

Because of the flexibility the seating assembly system of the presentinvention provides for adjusting or changing the modular seat widths;the trimming of the beams may be done onsite to accommodate last minutechanges. However, the beams may also be trimmed prior to shipment to theassembly site in order to be prepared for easier assembly.

In addition to the resultant waste being reduced, the ends of beams areoften damaged in shipping from the factory to the warehouse. Trimmingthe very ends of the beams can be beneficial as the damaged bent endsmay be removed.

A large room utilizing a seating assembly such as the present inventionwould likely have multiple rows of seats having different lengths. Inorder to reach each of those lengths, cut beams of different lengthsmust be used according to the invention. Combinations of the standardlength beams and certain cut length beams (L_(e)) of varying length thatinclude an even number of beam lengths which are odd integer multiplesof one half of the optimal seat width will allow the seating row toreach any desired length.

FIGS. 26 a-c illustrate three such combinations of standard lengths andcut lengths to reach a row 21 seats. FIG. 26 a shows a combination of abeams of L₁ (5.5 seats) and L₃ (9 seats) and a cut length equal to 6.5seats, L_(eA). Length L_(eA) can be formed but cutting a standard lengthbeam of 9 seats (L₃) which leaves a remaining piece equal to the 2.5seats. This 2.5 seat piece is L_(eB). Note that this combinationincludes two beam lengths which are odd integer multiples of half of theoptimal seat width of 21″.

FIG. 26 b illustrates a combination of a beams of length L₁ (5.5 seats)and L₂ (8 seats) and two cut lengths. One of the cut lengths is equal to5 seats, L_(eC). Length L_(eC) can be formed by cutting a standardlength beam of 9 seats (L₃) which leaves a remaining length equal to the4 seats. This 4 seat length is L_(eD). The second cut length is equal to2.5 seats to reach to total length of 21 seats. The 2.5 seat length(L_(eB)) can be obtained from the remaining length from the cut piece inFIG. 26 a.

FIG. 26 c illustrates a combination of a beams length L₂ (8 seats) andthree cut lengths. One of the cut lengths is equal to 4 seats, L_(eD).Length L_(eD) was obtained from the remaining length from one of the cutlengths in FIG. 26 b. The other two cut lengths are each equal to 4.5seats to reach a total length of 21 seats. The 4.5 seat lengths are eachdesignated L_(eE). The L_(eE) lengths can be formed by cutting astandard length beam of 9 seats (L₃) in half. Alternatively, a L_(eD)can be formed by cutting a L₂ length standard length beam leaving aremaining length of 3.5 seats (L_(eF)) to be used elsewhere. In thiscombination illustrated in FIG. 26 c, a standard length L₃ cannot beused instead of the two cut lengths of L_(eD) because the combinationsof beams will not include an even number of odd integer multiple lengthsof the optimal seat length.

FIG. 27 a-b illustrate beam assemblies for other lengths of seating rowsto show how the remaining cut lengths (L_(e)) can be reused so that anylength row can be obtained without beam waste when the seat widthaverage width is an optimal seat width. FIG. 27 a illustrates acombination of a beams of length L₁ (5.5 seats) and L₃ (9 seats) and twocut lengths. One cut length is four seats long (L_(eD)) while the otheris 3.5 seats long (L_(eF)). The total seat length of this beamcombination is 22 seats. FIG. 27 b illustrates a combination of twobeams of length L₁ (5.5 seats) and one beam of length L₂ (8 seats) and acut beam 4 seats long (L_(eD)). The total seat length of this beamcombination is 23 seats.

To increase efficiencies and standardization, a standard length may becut into predetermined cut lengths to provide the necessary number ofodd integer or even integer multiples lengths. For example, a firststandard beam length may be 10 seats length. A 10 seat long standardlength will provide four 2.5 seat length cut pieces. Thus every assemblymay use two, 2.5 seat length cut pieces on each end, satisfying in astandard manner, the provision of two odd integer multiple for eachassembly. The remaining beam length necessary to reach the predetermineassembly length may be provided from the other standard lengths.

Once the beam components are assembled to the desired length, the beamor beam assembly is supported by at least one base member 11 in asubstantially horizontal position such as in a manner illustrated inFIG. 10. To help level the beam 12, or to compensate for even floorsurfaces, supplements or shims 39 may be placed under the beam and usedwith the base members 11.

Once the beam assembly is in place, the next step may be to fix the seatconnection mechanisms 19 to the beam 12. A single seat connectionmechanism 19 may be configured to connect to two seat bottom assembliesas illustrated in FIG. 11. Separate left 19 a and right 19 b seatconnection mechanisms may be used each having separate left 24 a andright 24 b connect supports allowing the space between the seats to beadjusted. (FIG. 30). The U-shaped seat connection brackets 32 may bepositioned over the beam 12 to fixedly secure the seat connectionmechanisms. The widths of the seat bottom assemblies 20 can be selectednext.

The modularity of the present invention allows the seat bottom assemblyto have different widths than other seat bottom assemblies easilyallowing flexibility in design and assembly. This selection process forthis modularity of the seat bottom assemblies can be illustrated with anexample. If a seating design calls for a row that is 216″ long, and 24″is the optimal seat width. Nine 24″ seat bottom assemblies could be usedto meet such a specification. However, a 222″ row may be desired. The222″ row could be assembled from three 24 inch seat bottom assembliesand six 25 inch assemblies. In some instances it may be more practicalto select seat bottom assembly widths from a small number of standardwidths known in the industry. Two 23″, two 24″, one 25″ and two 26″ seatbottom assemblies is a combination which would reach the desired lengthof 222″. In both cases, the desired length of the seating assembly isachieved without the customization of the seating components.

In addition to avoiding the time and expense of customization of seatingassemblies, the modularity of the present invention allows the seatingassembly length to be adjusted in one inch increments on the job site byinterchanging seat bottom assembly widths.

As described above, FIG. 29 illustrates how three different seat widths(X₁, X₂ and X₃) can be used in combination to reach desired length L ofthe seating assembly. The spacing between the seats, Y, is constant dueto the use of a seat connection mechanism between the seats. The smallnumber of standard widths, chosen to be appropriate for a width of aseating area, may be between sixteen and twenty-six inches in one inchincrements. The combinations of standard widths can be selected from agroup of less than five widths, but when design requirements call formore seating variety, may be selected from a group of less than tenwidths.

In addition to interchanging seat bottom assembly widths, using separateleft 19 a and right 19 b seat connection mechanisms having separate left24 a and right 24 b connect supports provides another way to customizethe length of the seating assembly and use standard components. FIG. 30illustrates the benefit of using left and right seat connectormechanisms. Where separate left and right seat connector mechanisms areused, the space between the seats can be adjusted by position of theseat connector mechanisms along the beam. Thus, different desiredlengths of seat assembly can be reached with uniformed width seats,simply by positioning separate left and right seat connector mechanismsat appropriate spacing along the beam. As shown in FIG. 30, bypositioning the seat connector mechanisms at different widths betweenthe seat (Y and Z) a desired length L for the seating assembly can beachieved with uniformed width seats (X). The separate left and rightseat connector mechanisms are also standardized components.

It is further envisioned that separate left and right seat connectormechanisms and different width seats can be used in conjunction forfurther customization of the seating assembly.

The use of separate left and right seat connector mechanisms may providespace between the seats for armrests or tablet arms. Where a single seatconnector is used, there may be insufficient space for an armrest ortablet arm. In this case, an armrest or tablet arm which is integralwith the seat connector mechanism may used. However, with space betweenthe seats, an armrest or tablet arm with connected directly to the beamwith its own U-shaped bracket allows greater flexibility. An armrest ortablet could be added or replaced without removing the seat bottom andwithout needing a different seat connector mechanism.

Next, the seat back assemblies 13 are fixed to the beam. (FIGS. 12-15).While a seat back assembly may be a single continuous member, it is alsoenvisioned that the seat bottom assembly be a width corresponding to thewidth of the selected seat bottom assemblies. The back support 15 isattached to the beam 12 by positioning the U-shaped brackets 14 over thebeam 12. (FIG. 12). Next, back connector inserts 17 are positioned inthe grooves 33 between the back supports 15. (FIG. 13). Then, the topmember 18 is fitted across the top of the seat back assemblies 13. (FIG.14). Finally, the back pads 16 are put in place. (FIG. 15).

The end members 27 may be installed next. FIG. 16 shows both a weightbearing end member that extends to the floor and a shorter non-weightbearing end member. Where an end member is near a beam extension pieceis joined, it is preferable that a weight bearing end member is used.Likewise, where an end member is adjacent to a base member 11, a nonweight bearing end member may suffice. The type of end used may also bebased on aesthetic considerations.

Similarly to the seat bottom assemblies, the seat back assembly widthsmay be chosen directly based on the desired width of the seatingassembly, without necessarily corresponding to the width of the selectedseat bottom assemblies by selecting a different width for at least oneof the seat back assemblies from the selected width of at least oneother seat back assemblies. The width of each of the seat backassemblies may also be selected from a relatively small number ofstandard widths so as to cause the seating assembly to have the desiredlength without requiring customization of the widths of the plurality ofseat back assemblies before fixing the seat back assemblies to the beam.

Again, depending on design and seating requirements, the widths can beselected from a group of less than ten, or less than five standardwidths. The seat connection mechanisms are positioned appropriatelyalong the beam to receive the seat bottom assemblies. The U-shaped seatconnection brackets 32 are positioned over the beam 12 to fixedly securethe seat connection mechanisms. (FIG. 15).

Finally, the selected seat bottom assemblies 20 are pivotably attachedto the connector support 24 of the seat connection mechanisms 19. (FIG.17). The seat bottom assemblies attach to the seat supports 24 of theseat connection mechanism 19. The seat bottom assemblies may be attachedso that they are individually pivotable about an axis A going throughthe connector supports 24 of the seat connection mechanisms. The seatbottom assemblies 20 and the seat connector mechanism 19 may beconfigured so that the seat bottom assemblies are counter balanced andgravity self lifting. Preferably, pins 23 protruding from the seatsupport 21 are inserted into the inner pivot channel 25 of the seatsupport of the seat connection mechanisms 19 as shown in detail in FIG.9.

The base members may be secured to the floor or to a riser in a step ifthe seating assembly is to be a permanent fixture. The base members maybe bolted 42 permanently in place. However, the base members may alsorest without being secured to the floor. The seating assembly may bemoved from location to location without modifying or discarding existingseat components. The seating assembly may be reconstructed by simplyadding additional seats and support beams to satisfy new row lengths.

More and more, large seating areas requiring cabling or wiring for toprovide electrical or computer network access to those seated. This isespecially true for classroom and certain auditorium uses. Often, thewiring or cabling is run along the floor and is unsightly and does notprovide adequate access. The present invention provides for conduit 55to be run parallel to the beam beneath the seats to enclose anynecessary cabling or wiring. (FIG. 31). The conduit 55 could be hiddenfrom plain view under the seats and also be provided with a cover 57 oropening along its length to provide adequate access to the wires orcables.

The present invention lends itself to ease and efficiency, not only inthe assembly of the seating assemblies, but also in the ordering andspecifying of seating. A purchaser of a seating assembly need onlyspecify the desired row lengths and an average seat width and thenecessary seating component based on the row lengths can be calculated.This lends itself to an automated means of ordering. A customer, throughan electronic communication link, such as through an automated telephonesystem or through an internet website, could specify a desired rowconfiguration to order.

FIG. 28 is a diagram of a computer screen shot illustrating a means ofordering the seating assembly described above. The ordering applicationmay include a palette 66, where different seating component sizes 68 andstyles 69 may be selected. A mouse cursor 64, allows a user to selectdifferent components and manipulate them within a work area 60 of theapplication. Lengths of the seating assemblies 62 may also be selectedthis way.

The present invention, through the modularity and standardization ofcomponents provides a simplified inventory of components. As describedabove, only a few standard size components are necessary to achieve awide range of desires seating assembly lengths with little waste.

For instance, inventory of beams of standard lengths L₁, L₂, L₃ may beinventoried for a small number of optimal seat widths. Also, anappropriate range of seating component of varying widths may beinventoried for each optimal seat width chosen.

In addition to providing simplicity for a purchaser of the seatingassembly, the benefits of the reduced inventory are enhanced by theautomated selection process and computer executable algorithm.

As the desired row configurations are inputted during the automateselection process, a computer executable algorithm determines theappropriate number and length of standard and cut beam lengths whichcorrespond to the desired row configuration the algorithm will alsodetermine the number of seating components and corresponding seatingcomponent sizes and styles which correspond to the desired rowconfiguration.

The inventoried standard components, which may also be linked to thesystem, are then removed from inventory and bundled per rowspecification. The standard beam lengths may be cut in the mostefficient combinations as determined by the algorithm. Entire rowassemblies may be bundled on individual skids for ease of ease ofpacking and transport, but more importantly for convenience andsimplicity in assembly. The bundled materials are then shipped to a jobsite and assembled with greater ease and efficiency than if they hadshipped packaged with like parts rather than with the corresponding rowcomponents.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a particulararrangement of parts, features and the like, these are not intended toexhaust all possible arrangements or features, and indeed many othermodifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill inthe art.

1-71. (canceled)
 72. A method for facilitating the assembly of seatingarrangements, said method comprising the steps of: receiving anindication of a desired row configuration for at least one seating row;inputting the desired row configuration into a computer executablealgorithm; determining, with the computer executable algorithm, a numberof beams and corresponding beam sizes which correspond to the desiredrow configuration; determining, with the computer executable algorithm,a number of seating components and corresponding seating component sizeswhich correspond to the desired row configuration; and shipping thenumber of beams and corresponding beam sizes, which correspond to thedesired row configuration, and the number of seating components andcorresponding seating component sizes which correspond to the desiredrow configuration to a site for assembly.
 73. The method of claim 72,wherein the step of receiving an indication of a desired rowconfiguration for at least one seating row comprises the step ofreceiving, via a networked communications link, an indication of adesired row configuration for at least one seating row.
 74. The methodof claim 73, wherein the networked communications link comprises theInternet.
 75. The method of claim 72, further comprising the step ofinventorying a plurality of beams having a plurality of predefinedstandard lengths.
 76. The method of claim 75, wherein said step ofdetermining, with the computer executable algorithm, a number of beamsand corresponding beam sizes which correspond to the desired rowconfiguration comprises the step of: selecting a first beam having afirst standard length from the plurality of beams having the pluralityof predefined standard lengths; and selecting a second beam having asecond standard length from the plurality of beams having the pluralityof predefined standard lengths, the first standard length beingdifferent than the second standard length.
 77. The method of claim 76,wherein said step of determining, with the computer executablealgorithm, a number of seating components and corresponding seatingcomponent sizes which correspond to the desired row configurationcomprises the step of selecting a plurality of seat assemblies having anoptimal seat width.
 78. The method of claim 77, wherein said selecting afirst beam step comprises the step of selecting a first beam having afirst standard length which comprises an integer multiple of one half ofthe optimal seat width, and wherein said selecting a second beam stepcomprises the step of selecting a second beam having a second standardlength which comprises an integer multiple of one half of the optimalseat width.
 79. The method of claim 78 wherein said selecting a firstbeam step comprises the step of selecting a first beam having a firststandard length which comprises an odd integer multiple of one half ofthe optimal seat width, and wherein said selecting a second beam stepcomprises the step of selecting a second beam having a second standardlength which comprises an odd integer multiple of one half of theoptimal seat width.
 80. The method of claim 76, wherein said step ofdetermining, with the computer executable algorithm, a number of beamsand corresponding beam sizes which correspond to the desired rowconfiguration further comprises the step of: selecting a third beamhaving a third standard length from the plurality of beams having theplurality of predefined standard lengths, the third standard lengthbeing different than the first standard length and the second standardlength.
 81. The method of claim 75, wherein said step of determining,with the computer executable algorithm, a number of beams andcorresponding beam sizes which correspond to the desired rowconfiguration comprises the step of: selecting a first beam having afirst standard length from the plurality of beams having the pluralityof predefined standard lengths; selecting a second beam having a secondstandard length from the plurality of beams having the plurality ofpredefined standard lengths, the first standard length being differentthan the second standard length; determining a target cut beam length;and selecting a beam to be cut to the target cut beam length from theplurality of beams having the plurality of predefined standard lengths.82. The method of claim 81, wherein the beam to be cut to the target cutbeam length has the first standard length or the second standard length.83. The method of claim 72: wherein said step of receiving an indicationof a desired row configuration for at least one seating row comprisesthe step of receiving an indication of a desired row configuration for aplurality of seating rows; and further comprising the step of bundlingthe number of beams and corresponding beam sizes which correspond to thedesired row configuration and the number of seating components andcorresponding seating component sizes which correspond to the desiredrow configuration together separately for each of the plurality ofseating rows.
 84. A method for facilitating assembly a row of seating,comprising the steps of: inventorying a plurality of first beams havinga first beam length; inventorying a plurality of second beams having asecond beam length, the second beam length being different than thefirst beam length; receiving an indication of a target row length;determining a number of the plurality of first beams and determining anumber of the plurality of second beams based upon the target rowlength; removing the determined number of the plurality of first beamsand the determined number of the plurality of second beams frominventory; and shipping the determined number of the plurality of firstbeams and the determined number of the plurality of second beams removedfrom inventory to a site for assembly.
 85. (canceled)